Hydrogen storage and release system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for storing and releasing hydrogen using packed-bed hydrogen storage elements in conjunction with elements such as optical or thermal energy for stimulating the release of stored hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system may include valves, piping, and other fixtures for ease of filling and emptying the unit. The system may also serve as a portable self-contained means of safe hydrogen storage that may be transported between the filling or generation site and the site of hydrogen release or use.

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, has great potentialas an energy carrier. However, it is highly unstable and dangerous toproduce, store, transport, and deploy (due to being extremely flammableand explosive when mixed with oxygen, an abundant element in Earth'satmosphere). Unlike petroleum, hydrogen may be easily generated fromdiverse energy sources, including: fossil fuels such as coal and naturalgas; nuclear power; biomass; and, other renewable energy technologiessuch as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. Hydrogen isalso nonpolluting, forming water as a harmless byproduct during use.Approximately half of the hydrogen produced today is converted toammonia and used as a fertilizer. The remaining current hydrogenproduction is used to convert heavy petroleum sources into lighterfractions suitable for use as fuels which are then used in a variety ofapplications, such as fuel-cell batteries for a variety of consumer andindustrial electronics, and in combustion engines for automobiles andheavy machinery. However, the difficulty and significant safety hazardsof storing hydrogen has been a challenge to harnessing the manyadvantages of hydrogen use.

Developing safe, reliable, compact, and cost-effective hydrogen storagetechnologies is one of the most technically challenging barriers to thewidespread use of hydrogen as a form of energy. Hydrogen storageresearch has focused largely on technologies and systems used onboard avehicle in an attempt to improve the weight, volume, and cost of currentvehicle-based hydrogen storage systems, as well as to identify anddevelop new technologies that may achieve similar performance, at asimilar cost, as gasoline fuel storage systems. This is a challenginggoal because hydrogen has physical characteristics that make itdifficult to store in large quantities without taking up a significantamount of space. For example, to be competitive with conventionalgasoline powered vehicles, hydrogen powered cars are desired that thatmay travel on the order of 300 miles between fills.

Hydrogen has a high energy content by weight (about three times morethan gasoline), but it has a low energy content by volume (about fourtimes less than gasoline). These properties, along with theaforementioned serious safety considerations, make hydrogen a challengeto store, particularly within the size and weight constraints of avehicle. However, there are many uses for hydrogen today, such asammonia production and other example uses set forth above. The focus onovercoming problems with hydrogen-powered vehicles may distract fromdeveloping improved hydrogen technologies in other areas. Furthermore,some developments for primary purposes other than on vehicles willundoubtedly find use in vehicles as well.

Improved hydrogen storage systems are needed. Hydrogen storage maydesirably be safe, low-cost, efficient to transport, and easilyinterfaced to other hydrogen systems such as hydrogen productionsystems, hydrogen storage systems, ammonia production systems, andelectricity and power production systems such as fuel cells, laptoppower supplies, and automobile engines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example hydrogen storage unit;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example packed-bed hydrogen storage column asone component of the hydrogen storage unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example hydrogen release stimulus element asone component of the hydrogen storage unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device as one example of adevice that may control one or more of the operations needed to store,monitor, and/or release hydrogen;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example hydrogen storage apparatus/method thatmay transfer hydrogen into the hydrogen storage unit;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example hydrogen extraction apparatus/methodthat may stimulate the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen unit into ahydrogen destination;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of example features of a hydrogen extraction memberas one component of the hydrogen extraction unit;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example hydrogen extraction member as onecomponent of the hydrogen extraction unit;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example hydrogen release stimulus elementinterface as one component of the hydrogen extraction unit;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for extracting hydrogenfrom a hydrogen storage unit; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method for controlling thehydrogen release stimulus elements for the desired extraction rate, allarranged in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of thepresent disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated inthe Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in awide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and made part of this disclosure.

The present disclosure describes technologies for storing and releasinghydrogen using one or more hydrogen storage elements in conjunction withelements for providing hydrogen release stimulus energy such as opticalor thermal energy to promote hydrogen release.

One approach to the difficulties of storing hydrogen involves the use ofadsorption (storing hydrogen molecules on the surfaces of solids).Adsorption is typically on surfaces; absorption also encompasses take-upwithin the pores or interior of a material. However, the termsadsorption and absorption are used interchangeably herein. Zeolites andcarbon nanotubes have shown promise in this area because they are smallenough to enable reversible hydrogen capture (for example, by applyingheat for hydrogen release) and have a surface chemistry that favorshydrogen migration and adsorption. The use of adsorption may make itpossible to store larger quantities of hydrogen in smaller volumes atlow pressure and at temperatures close to room temperature.Alternatively, hydrogen may be stored in hollow glass microspheres andreleased by applying light, or stored in metal hydride systems. Thus, asystem for storing and releasing hydrogen is proposed, in which hydrogenmay be stored in adsorptive packed beds comprising hollow glassmicrospheres, zeolites, carbon nanofibers, metal hydrides, or the like,within a stainless steel or other container equipped with suitablefittings that allow it to be valved and connected as appropriate withdevices and equipment for hydrogen generation, transmission, andconsumption. The hydrogen may be stored under various amounts ofpressure and heat, depending on the storage and absorption materialsused. The zeolites, carbon nanotubes, metal hydrides, or hollow glassmicrospheres may be interspersed with heating or lighting devices toprovide for hydrogen release. The hydrogen storage system may beconfigured with valves, piping, and other fixtures to allow ease offilling and emptying the storage unit. The system may also serve as aportable self-contained apparatus for safe hydrogen storage that may betransported between the filling or generation site and the site ofhydrogen release or use.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example hydrogen storage unit. The hydrogenstorage unit 110 comprises a housing 120 forming an airtight cavity 121that contains a plurality of packed-bed hydrogen storage columns 130 andhydrogen release stimulus elements 140. The hydrogen storage unit 110may include a storage opening 150 and a release opening 160, eachoptionally fitted with a cavity opening/quick connect valve 170 and ahydrogen sensor 175, respectively. The hydrogen storage unit 110 mayalso be fitted with one or more cavity opening/adapters 190 tofacilitate the transfer of hydrogen in and out of the storage unit 110.The hydrogen storage unit 110 may be coupled to a release stimulusmechanism 180 to facilitate the release of hydrogen from the storagecolumns 130 and the unit 110. An example release stimulus mechanism 180is further discussed as element 430 in FIG. 6.

The hydrogen storage unit housing 120 may be made of stainless steeltubing or like material that is preferably impervious to water, air, andlight, and that is heat resistant and non-corroding. The hydrogenstorage unit housing 120 may be insulated, for example by layering aninsulating material on an interior or exterior of the housing. Thehousing 120 may have these properties to prevent inadvertent release ofthe stored hydrogen through exposure to heat or light. Furthermore, thehydrogen storage unit 110 may comprise an airtight cavity 121 andcontain tightly-sealed storage and release openings 150, 160 in order tosafely store the hydrogen. The unit 110 may be fitted with one or morehydrogen sensors 175 at any opening to detect and contain potentialhydrogen leaks. In some embodiments, the hydrogen storage unit 110 maycomprise an insulated pressure vessel.

The hydrogen storage unit 110 also may comprise a plurality ofpacked-bed hydrogen storage columns 130 and hydrogen release stimuluselements 140. A packed bed may comprise a hollow tube, pipe, or othervessel that is filled with a packing material and used to storehydrogen. The packed-bed hydrogen storage columns 130 in FIG. 1 maycomprise a hydrogen-absorbing material, such as zeolites, carbonnanotubes, metal hydrides, hollow glass microspheres, or other materialwith the property of hydrogen absorption, packed inside column casings.

Zeolites are generally considered to be aluminosilicate minerals thattend to have a regular microporous structure, allowing them toselectively sort molecules based primarily on a size and shape exclusionprocess. In some embodiments, the zeolites may be deployed inconjunction with an alumina extrudate or other type of support. In someembodiments, zeolites may absorb hydrogen at close to ambient conditionsand seal the stored hydrogen through a very slight cooling process(perhaps as small as a 0.1° Celsius decrease in temperature).Application of temperature differences for storage and release ofhydrogen may similarly be applied with all of the various hydrogenstorage material options discussed herein. Zeolites are also responsiveto pressure, such that increasing the amount of pressure causes morehydrogen to be forced into the cavities of the zeolite and trapped thereby the cooling process.

Carbon nanotubes comprise carbon nanostructures that often have largelength-to-diameter ratios, for example on the order of 28,000,000:1,which is unequalled by any other material, although such alength-to-diameter ratio is not required. They exhibit extraordinarystrength and unique electrical properties, and are efficient conductorsof heat as well as hydrogen-absorbing, which may produce additionaladvantage to the use of carbon nanostructures in embodiments using heatas a hydrogen release stimulus.

Metal hydrides comprise metals that absorb hydrogen. For example, atroom temperature and atmospheric pressure, palladium may absorb up to900 times its own volume of hydrogen and may thus serve as a safe andefficient hydrogen storage medium.

Glass microspheres comprise porous hollow microscopic spheres of glasswith typical diameters including those ranging from 10 to 300micrometers. Glass microspheres are lightweight and extremely strong,due to their shape and size, and their use results in a greater storagecapacity than bulk glass or other commonly-used storage elements. Theymay be filled with materials that may absorb and store the hydrogen thatenters through the porous walls of the microsphere, and may subsequentlyrelease the stored hydrogen upon the application of heat or light. Insome embodiments, involving photo-enhanced hydrogen diffusion, the glassmay be “doped” with an optically active element, causing the rapidrelease of hydrogen upon stimulation by an infrared lamp. This propertymay produce additional advantage to the use of glass microspheres inembodiments using light as a hydrogen release stimulus.

The process by which hydrogen is stored in hollow glass microspheres mayinvolve heating the glass microspheres in an atmosphere of hydrogen,causing the hydrogen to diffuse through the pores of the microspheres.Upon cooling, the diffusion rate lowers and the hydrogen inside themicrospheres is trapped. The microspheres may then be stored underambient conditions as a fine powder until hydrogen release is desired,at which time the microspheres may be reheated in a low-pressure vessel,causing the hydrogen to diffuse out of the microspheres.

A packed-bed arrangement is traditionally used for arranging catalyst orsorbent materials in fixed-bed chemical and petrochemical refining andin gas chromatography. Gas chromatography is used in organic chemistryfor separating and analyzing compounds that may be vaporized withoutdecomposition. The packed-bed method allows access to hydrogen as it isinlet or released, while immobilizing the hydrogen storage material forconvenient use and reuse.

In some embodiments, the hydrogen storage columns 130 may comprisetubular airtight housings with an opening on at least one end to allowlaminar flow of released hydrogen after the hydrogen release stimuluselements 140 are activated. In other embodiments, the hydrogen storagecolumns 130 may comprise tubular housings that are permeable to hydrogensuch that the hydrogen transfers through the sidewalls of the housingswhen the hydrogen release stimulus elements 140 are activated, therebyallowing faster access to the storage material when filling andreleasing the hydrogen.

The hydrogen release stimulus elements 140 may provide light, heat, orthe like to facilitate release of hydrogen from the storage media. Forexample, the hydrogen release stimulus element 140 may comprise a bundleof optical fibers arranged to illuminate along the length of the bundleby providing lateral optical outlets along the length of thebundle-containing tube. Alternatively, the release stimulus elements 140may be illuminated, for example, by shining a bright diffuse light intoit or, in the case of photo-enhanced diffusion, applying intenseinfrared light. In other embodiments, the hydrogen release stimuluselement 140 may be configured to provide heat, for example, by fillingthe tube with warm gas or steam at a desired temperature. In thisembodiment, the heating element may be plumbed separately from thehydrogen flow path to avoid diluting hydrogen with steam. Alternatively,the hydrogen release stimulus element 140 may comprise an inductiveheating mechanism, with insulation or additional precautions to reduceflammability or explosion hazards from heat sources near or within theambient stored hydrogen.

The hydrogen storage unit 110 may contain one or more cavityopenings/adapters 190 to allow convenient interface with valves, piping,and other fixtures, for example to facilitate the transfer of hydrogeninto the storage unit, to connect the storage unit 110 to a releasestimulus mechanism 180, or to transfer the hydrogen into a destination.The cavity opening/quick connect valves 170 may also be used for thispurpose, depending on the configuration of the apparatus being connectedto the hydrogen storage unit 110.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example packed-bed hydrogen storage column asone component of the hydrogen storage unit illustrated in FIG. 1. Thehydrogen storage column 130 comprises a column casing 132 and ahydrogen-absorbing material 131 disposed inside the casing 132, and maycontain at least one open end 133.

As discussed in FIG. 1, the column casing 132 may comprise a tubularairtight housing with an opening 133 on at least one end to allowlaminar flow of released hydrogen. In other embodiments, the columncasing 132 may comprise a tubular housing that is permeable to hydrogen.A permeable column casing 132 would permit hydrogen to transfer throughthe sidewalls of the column casing 132, allowing more rapid hydrogenstorage or transfer to a destination. Similarly, in some embodiments thecolumn casing 132 may be permeable to light or heat, causing thestimulus elements to trigger the release of hydrogen once the columncasing 132 is exposed to a heat or light stimulus. Also, it will bereadily appreciated that a tubular or cylindrical shape is not requiredand square, rectangular or other polygonal column casing cross-sectionshapes are also possible. The term “column casing” as used herein shouldnot be construed as limited to circular column cross-sections.

As discussed in FIG. 1, the hydrogen-absorbing material 131 may comprisezeolites, carbon nanotubes, metal hydrides, hollow glass microspheres,or other materials that bind to hydrogen and allow it to be storedwithin the storage column. These materials may be placed in the columncasing 132 using any available techniques, such as, for example, thoseused to produce the fixed beds used in chemical and petrochemicalprocessing/refining operations or the packed columns used in gaschromatography. The material 131 may be of varying size and density,depending on the desired scale of hydrogen storage and release.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example hydrogen release stimulus element asone component of the hydrogen storage unit illustrated in FIG. 1.Hydrogen release stimulus element 140 comprises a tube casing 142 and aplurality of lighting or heating elements 141 dispersed throughout thetube casing 142.

As discussed in FIG. 1, the hydrogen release stimulus element 140 mayfacilitate release of hydrogen from the storage media through theapplication of light or heat. In some embodiments that involve theapplication of light, the lighting or heating elements 141 may comprisea bundle of optical fibers arranged to illuminate along the length ofthe bundle by providing lateral optical outlets along the length of thebundle-containing tube. Alternatively, the tube may be illuminated, forexample, by shining a bright diffuse light or an intense infrared lightinto it. In these embodiments, the tube casing 142 may comprise glass orother light-sensitive material. In other embodiments that involve theapplication of heat, the lighting or heating element 141 may comprise aseries of tubes to distribute warm gas or steam at a desiredtemperature. In these embodiments, the heating element may be plumbedseparately from the hydrogen flow path to avoid diluting the hydrogenwith steam. Alternatively, the lighting or heating element 141 maycomprise an inductive heating mechanism such as a series of wiresdistributed along the tube, with insulation or additional precautions toreduce flammability or explosion hazards from heat sources near orwithin the ambient stored hydrogen.

In some embodiments, a computing device may be used to carry out one ormore of the operations necessary to store, monitor, and/or releasehydrogen as is described in a variety of the appended figures.Appropriate software may implement a user interface on the computingdevice, allowing for user control and specification of hydrogen storage,monitoring, and release instructions.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device as one example of adevice that may control one or more of the operations needed to store,monitor, and/or release hydrogen. In a very basic configuration 201,computing device 200 typically includes one or more processors 210 andsystem memory 220. A memory bus 230 may be used for communicatingbetween the processor 210 and the system memory 220.

Depending on the desired configuration, processor 210 may be of any typeincluding but not limited to a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller(IC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof.Processor 210 may include one or more levels of caching, such as a levelone cache 211 and a level two cache 212, a processor core 213, andregisters 214. The processor core 213 may include an arithmetic logicunit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a digital signal processingcore (DSP Core), or any combination thereof. A memory controller 215 mayalso be used with the processor 210, or in some implementations thememory controller 215 may be an internal part of the processor 210.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 220 may be ofany type, including but not limited: to volatile memory (such as RAM),non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or anycombination thereof. System memory 220 typically includes an operatingsystem 221, one or more applications 222, and program data 226. Asdiscussed above, applications 223-225 may include, for example, anapplication for controlling transferring hydrogen into a storage unit223, an application for controlling monitoring the external presence ofhydrogen to detect and contain potential leaks 224, and an applicationfor controlling releasing hydrogen from the storage unit into adestination 225. Program data 226 may include, for example, hydrogendata 227 that is used by applications 223-225. Hydrogen data 227 maycomprise, for example, tank fill level data, leakage sensor data,hydrogen release rate and release stimulus metrics.

Computing device 200 may have additional features or functionality, andadditional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basicconfiguration 201 and any required devices and interfaces. For example,a bus/interface controller 240 may be used to facilitate communicationsbetween the basic configuration 201 and one or more data storage devices250 via a storage interface bus 241. The data storage devices 250 may beremovable storage devices 251, non-removable storage devices 252, or acombination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removablestorage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible diskdrives and hard-disk drives (HDD), optical disk drives such as compactdisk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid statedrives (SSD), and tape drives, to name a few. Example computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data.

System memory 220, removable storage 251, and non-removable storage 252are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that maybe used to store the desired information and that may be accessed bycomputing device 200. Any such computer storage media may be part ofdevice 200.

Computing device 200 may also include an interface bus 242 forfacilitating communication from various interface devices (e.g., outputinterfaces, peripheral interfaces, and communication interfaces) to thebasic configuration 201 via the bus/interface controller 240. Exampleoutput devices 260 include a graphics processing unit 261 and an audioprocessing unit 262, which may be configured to communicate to variousexternal devices such as a display or speakers via one or more AudioVisual (A/V) ports 263. Example peripheral interfaces 270 include aserial interface controller 271 or a parallel interface controller 272,which may be configured to communicate with external devices such asinput devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touchinput device, etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., printer, scanner,etc.) via one or more Input/Output (I/O) ports 273.

For example, in this embodiment, a hydrogen release stimulus mechanism264 may be connected via an I/O port and used to transmit and receiverelease control signals in order to direct a precise amount of heat orlight to the release stimulus elements. I/O devices may also includeaudible and visual alarm devices such as speakers and sirens which maybe activated when a hydrogen leak is detected via sensors on the HSU, orvia other measurements such as excess flow, pressure drop, andoverpressure. Along the same lines, I/O devices may include secondaryshut-off valves and power shut-offs to close off the HSU in the event ofa possible leak. Backup safety mechanisms such as this may be importantin some embodiments due to the inherent dangers of hydrogen.

Other conventional I/O devices may be connected as well such as a mouse,keyboard, and so forth. An example communications device 280 includes anetwork controller 281, which may be arranged to facilitatecommunications with one or more other computing devices 290 over anetwork communication via one or more communication ports 282.

The communications connection is one example of a communication media.Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and include any information delivery media. A “modulated datasignal” may be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Byway of example, and not limitation, communication media may includewired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, andwireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),and other wireless media.

Computing device 200 may be implemented as a portion of a small-formfactor portable (or mobile) electronic device such as a cell phone, apersonal data assistant (PDA), a personal media player device, awireless web-watch device, a personal headset device, anapplication-specific device, or a hybrid device that include any of theabove functions. Computing device 200 may also be implemented as apersonal computer including both laptop computer and non-laptop computerconfigurations.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example hydrogen storage apparatus/method thatmay transfer hydrogen into the hydrogen storage unit. FIG. 5 comprises ahydrogen storage unit 310 supported by a support structure 308 andconnected to a hydrogen supply 305 via a quick connect/release valve370. The hydrogen supply 305 comprises a tank fill valve 307, and may beconnected to the hydrogen storage unit 310 via one or more hydrogen fillmembers/valve interconnects 306A, 306B. The hydrogen fill member/valveinterconnects 306A, 306B may be connected to a computing device 320 viaa cable 325 (or wirelessly—not shown) that may transmit sensor and/orvalve and fill control data 326. Computing device 320 may be thecomputing device 200 depicted in FIG. 4, equipped with appropriatesoftware for controlling the valves and monitoring fill levels of supply305 and/or unit 310.

FIG. 5 provides one example of a mechanism for transferring hydrogeninto the hydrogen storage unit 310. In this example, a hydrogen supply305 is coupled to the hydrogen storage unit 310 via one or more hydrogenfill members/valve interconnects 306A, 306B. Depending on theconfiguration of the hydrogen supply 305 and the hydrogen storage unit310, the hydrogen storage unit 310 may need to be supported by some formof support structure 308 that holds it in a fixed position. The hydrogenstorage apparatus may be connected to a computing device 320 via a cable325 that transmits instructions 326 on the amount of hydrogen to bereleased from the hydrogen supply 305 and into the hydrogen storage unit310. The computing device 320 may also control the timing of thehydrogen flow, and may determine when to discontinue the flow ofhydrogen, for example by closing an electronically controllable valve306A.

The computing device 320 may further store hydrogen sensor data toenable the monitoring of potential hydrogen leaks. The computing device320 may respond to detected leaks by closing appropriate valves toprevent further leakage and optionally alerting fill supporttechnicians. Example alerts may include pop-up user interface element(s)displayed on the computing device 320 display, communication to one ormore remote computers or mobile devices, audible and visual alarms andactivation of emergency shut-off valves, as discussed above.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example hydrogen extraction apparatus/methodthat may stimulate the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen unit into ahydrogen destination. FIG. 6 comprises an energy supply 431 coupled to arelease stimulus mechanism 430. The release mechanism 430 is in turnconnected to a hydrogen storage unit 410 via a stimulus elementinterface 435. The hydrogen storage unit 410, which may be held in afixed position by a support structure 415, may be coupled to a hydrogendestination 450 via one or more hydrogen extraction members 440A, 440B.

A computing device 420, such as computing device 200 depicted in FIG. 4,may be connected via a connection such as cable 421, or other suitablewired or wireless connection, to an electronic controller 433 on therelease mechanism 430, enabling the transmission of hydrogen releasecontrol signals 422. Computing device 420 may also be connected via aconnection such as cable 423, or other suitable wired or wirelessconnection, to sensors and electronically controlled valves disposed onthe hydrogen storage unit 410, enabling the transmission of sensorand/or valve control data 424. Computing device 420 may further beconnected via a connection such as cable 425, or other suitable wired orwireless connection, to the hydrogen destination 450, enabling thetransmission of flow rate control information 426.

In FIG. 6, the release mechanism 430 receives a supply of energy 431,for example, in the form of heated gas, steam, electricity, or light.The energy supply may be manually controlled, or may be controlled by acomputing device 420 that dictates when the energy supply should beactivated and begins the generation of heat or light. Computing device420 may further interface with an electronic controller 433 on thehydrogen release mechanism 430, generating specific instructionsregarding the transmission of heat or light to the hydrogen storage unit410, depending on factors such as the size of the hydrogen releasestimulus elements in the hydrogen storage unit 410, the stimulus method,the rate of hydrogen release as determined by flow rate measurementunits disposed on the storage unit 410, or by feedback received from thehydrogen destination 450, and safety sensor feedback data. Thecontroller 433 in turn may communicate with the stimulus elementinterface 435 to begin the flow of heat or light and to precisely engageand activate the hydrogen release stimulus elements disposed inside thehydrogen storage unit 410.

FIG. 6 depicts the hydrogen release stimulus elements in the hydrogenstorage unit 410 after they have been engaged. As a result of thestimulus, hydrogen may be released from the packed-bed hydrogen storagecolumns and made available for transfer to a destination 450. Thetransfer process may be activated manually or with the assistance of acomputing device 420 that transmits sensor and valve control data 424 tothe hydrogen storage unit 410 to determine when the hydrogen releasevalve may safely be opened, and to determine a duration of hydrogenrelease, depending on the requirements of the hydrogen destination 450and the amount of hydrogen stored in the storage unit 410.

The hydrogen flow rate may be impacted by temperature, internal and/orexternal pressure, and the chemical composition, dimensions, and volumeof microspheres or other hydrogen storage column material. Uponreceiving the sensor and valve control information, the valve may beopened and hydrogen may begin to flow through the one or more hydrogenextraction members 440A, 440B. The hydrogen extraction members 440A,440B comprise an airtight cavity allowing safe hydrogen transportbetween a quick connect or other opening in the hydrogen storage unit410 and the hydrogen destination 450.

When computing device 420 detects that the appropriate amount ofhydrogen has been transferred to the destination 450, it may discontinuethe hydrogen flow. Computing device 420 may also receive sensorinformation about the flow of hydrogen around the valve, enabling it toimmediately shut off the flow if a leak is detected. Computing device420 or a human operator, depending on the embodiment, may also flush theextraction members 440A, 440B, associated valves, or the HSU 410 todilute or remove stray hydrogen when done transferring hydrogen todestination 450. An inert gas such as Nitrogen (N2) can be used forflushing. In one example embodiment, a flushing apparatus (not shown)comprising a tank for the flushing gas, appropriate hosing and a flushblower for circulating air through the various apparatus may be used.

The destination 450 may comprise any equipment that uses hydrogenincluding fuel cells, ammonia production equipment, vehicles, asubsequent storage receptacle, and so forth. The destination 450 maytransmit flow rate control information 426 to computing device 420,specifying the desired amount and rate of hydrogen flow. It may transmitinformation that further hydrogen is not needed, triggering thecomputing device 420 to discontinue the hydrogen flow. The hydrogen flowmay also be discontinued manually.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of example features of a hydrogen extraction memberas one component of the hydrogen extraction unit. FIG. 7 illustrates anextraction member cross-section view showing sidewall 510 and anairtight cavity 520, the extraction member forming a tube through whichhydrogen may be safely transferred between the hydrogen storage unit 410and the hydrogen destination 450 (both shown in FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example hydrogen extraction member 600 as onecomponent of the hydrogen extraction unit. Hydrogen extraction member600 may for example serve as element 440A in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustratesa side view showing a valve 601 for airtight engagement of the hydrogenstorage unit. As shown in FIG. 8, upon engagement of the valve 601,hydrogen will flow through the cavity of the extraction member 600 andinto the hydrogen destination. As discussed in FIG. 6, the hydrogen flowmay be controlled manually or through a computing device, such ascomputing device 200 depicted in FIG. 4, configured to control hydrogenflow.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example hydrogen release stimulus elementinterface 700 as one component of the hydrogen extraction unit. Theexample interface 700 comprises an interface housing 720 and a pluralityof stimulus element interconnects 710. The stimulus element interface700 may be configured for controllable activation of the one or morehydrogen release stimulus elements when the hydrogen storage unit isdisposed in a fixed position relative to an extraction unit, causing thestimulus elements to be arranged in a precise configuration for optimalheat or light stimulus to trigger the release of hydrogen from thepacked-bed hydrogen storage columns disposed inside the hydrogen storageunit. Depending on the method of stimulus, the stimulus elementinterconnect 710 may be variously configured to transfer releasestimulus energy such as heat or light to an individual hydrogen releasestimulus element in the hydrogen storage unit. The stimulus elementinterconnect 710 may be individually controllable in some embodiments toallow control of hydrogen release from desired locations in a hydrogenstorage unit.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for extracting hydrogenfrom a hydrogen storage unit. FIG. 10 comprises operations 801-806.Operations 801-806 include an “Engage HSU with Extraction Unit”operation 801, an “Engage Extraction Member with Opening in HSU”operation 802, a “Control Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements for DesiredExtraction Rate” operation 803, a “Receive HSU Fill Level Measurements”operation 804, a “Shut Off Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements” operation805, and a “Disengage Extraction Member/HSU” operation 806.

In FIG. 10, operations 801-806 are illustrated as being performedsequentially, with operation 801 first and operation 806 last. It willbe appreciated however that these operations may be re-ordered asconvenient to suit particular embodiments, and that these operations orportions thereof may be performed concurrently in some embodiments.

In an “Engage HSU with Extraction Unit” operation 801, the hydrogenstorage unit is connected to a release mechanism coupled to an energysupply that will provide a heat, steam, light, or electrical stimulus tothe hydrogen release stimulus elements disposed inside the hydrogenstorage unit. The hydrogen storage unit and the release mechanism may beengaged through a controller connected to a stimulus element interfacethat optimally positions the stimulus elements to safely and efficientlytrigger the hydrogen release.

In an “Engage Extraction Member with Opening in HSU” operation 802, thevalve on the hydrogen extraction member is connected to thecorresponding structure on the hydrogen storage unit while the hydrogenstorage unit is in a fixed position, creating an airtight connectionbetween the hydrogen storage unit and the extraction member that willallow the released hydrogen to flow through the hydrogen extractionmember to the hydrogen destination.

In a “Control Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements for Desired ExtractionRate” operation 803, the controller connected to the hydrogen releasestimulus element interface may be used to engage the hydrogen releasestimulus elements disposed inside the hydrogen storage unit. This actionmay be controlled by a computing device that determines the necessaryconfiguration of the hydrogen release stimulus elements for optimal heator light stimulus to trigger the release of hydrogen from the packed-bedhydrogen storage columns housed inside the hydrogen storage unit. Thecomputing device may further calculate the amount and duration of heator light stimulus needed to achieve the desired extraction rate, and maytransmit that information to the controller connected to the hydrogenrelease stimulus element interface, thereby activating the hydrogenrelease stimulus elements and triggering the release of hydrogen throughthe hydrogen extraction member and into the hydrogen destination. Thedesired flow rate may be impacted by temperature, internal and/orexternal pressure (which may change somewhat with application of heat asa release stimulus), and the chemical composition, dimensions, andvolume of the microspheres or other hydrogen storage column material.

In a “Receive HSU Fill Level Measurements” operation 804, the computingdevice or the controller connected to the hydrogen release stimuluselement interface may receive information about the level of hydrogen ina hydrogen storage unit. This information may be calculated based ondirect measurements inside the storage unit for example by sensorsdisposed inside an HSU, the capacity of the storage unit, or theestablished hydrogen extraction rate and elapsed extraction time, ortransmitted by a sensor in the destination receptacle that indicateswhen the receptacle has reached the desired fill level.

In a “Shut Off Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements” operation 805, uponreceiving fill level information or, for example, sensor data indicatinga leak, the computing device or the controller connected to the hydrogenrelease stimulus element interface may discontinue the heat or lightstimulus in order to stop the release of hydrogen from the packed-bedhydrogen storage columns. In some embodiments, a cooling system may beimplemented to prevent additional hydrogen from being released while thehydrogen release stimulus elements cool down. In other embodiments, thevalve(s) between the hydrogen storage unit and the hydrogen destinationreceptacle may automatically close upon indicating that the fill levelhas been reached.

In a “Disengage Extraction Member/HSU” operation 806, the hydrogenextraction member is disconnected from the hydrogen storage unit and thehydrogen destination.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method for controlling thehydrogen release stimulus elements for the desired extraction rate. Theoperations of FIG. 11 may be carried out in some embodiments to performoperation 803 illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 comprises operations811-816. Operations 811-816 include a “Receive Desired Hydrogen FlowRate Data” operation 811, a “Calculate Release Stimulus Requirements”operation 812, an “Activate Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements atCalculated Level” operation 813, an “Open/Adjust Valve to ControlDesired Flow Rate” operation 814, a “Receive Flow Rate Measurements,Desired Flow Rate Adjustment Information, Leakage or Safety Shut-OffInformation” operation 815, and an “Adjust Valve/Hydrogen ReleaseStimulus Elements” operation 816.

In a “Receive Desired Hydrogen Flow Rate Data” operation 811, thecomputing device 420 from FIG. 6, a human operator, or the controller433 connected to the hydrogen release stimulus element interface, and insome embodiments any combination of these actors, receives informationabout the desired rate of hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage unitto the hydrogen destination. The desired rate may be affected byrequirements of the hydrogen destination, as well as by the propertiesof the hydrogen storage unit in some embodiments. For example, in oneembodiment a hydrogen destination such as a hydrogen based electricalpower generator may provide desired flow rate data to a human operatorby means of information printed on the hydrogen destination. The humanmay then enter the flow rate data into a computing device such as 420 inFIG. 6. In this embodiment, the computing device “receives desiredhydrogen flow rate data” by virtue of the data being entered by thehuman operator. In another embodiment, the hydrogen destination maysupply an electronic communications port that allows a cable such ascable 425 in FIG. 6 to transmit flow rate data directly to computer 420.

In a “Calculate Release Stimulus Requirements” operation 812, thecomputing device 420 from FIG. 6, a human operator, or the controller433 connected to the hydrogen release stimulus element interface, and insome embodiments any combination of these actors, calculates the amountand duration of stimulus required in order to achieve the desiredhydrogen flow rate, based on factors such as the type of stimulus beingused to trigger the release of hydrogen, the properties of the hydrogenstorage unit such as the efficacy of hydrogen release stimulus elementsat releasing hydrogen and/or the properties of the packed-bed hydrogenstorage columns, ambient conditions, valve diameter, whether thehydrogen storage column casing material is permeable or impermeable, andmeasurement data regarding existing flow rate and existing releasestimulus energy, which may be used to adjust the stimulus energy toproduce a desired hydrogen release/flow rate.

In an “Activate Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements at Calculated Level”operation 813, the computing device 420 from FIG. 6, a human operator,or the controller 433 connected to the hydrogen release stimulus elementinterface, and in some embodiments any combination of these actors,initiates the flow of release stimulus energy to activate the hydrogenrelease stimulus elements at the calculated intensity and duration,which may be adjusted in real time to maintain or change a desired flowrate as described above. For example, in one embodiment, a humanoperator may cause a computing device such as 420 in FIG. 6 to activatecontroller 433 to allow hydrogen release stimulus energy, such as lightor heat, into the storage unit according to the release stimulusrequirements determined in the previous operation.

In an “Open/Adjust Valve to Control Desired Flow Rate” operation 814,the computing device 420, a human operator, electronically controlledvalves, and in some embodiments any combination of these actors, mayopen one or more valves between the hydrogen storage unit and thehydrogen destination to allow the flow of hydrogen through the hydrogenextraction member and into the hydrogen destination. Sensors in thevalve or the units may provide feedback about the actual rate ofhydrogen flow, allowing the computing device or human operator to adjustthe valve opening to achieve the desired flow. In either embodiment,flow rate data may be displayed in real time on the computing device 420display.

In a “Receive Flow Rate Measurements, Desired Flow Rate AdjustmentInformation, Leakage or Safety Shut-Off Information” operation 815, thecomputing device 420, a human operator, electronically controlledvalves, and in some embodiments any combination of these actors, mayreceive information from the release mechanism, the hydrogen storageunit, or the hydrogen destination regarding the hydrogen flow rate andthe presence of any stray hydrogen around the valves and interfaces. Forexample, the computing device 420 may receive information regarding aflow rate from the hydrogen destination 450 via cable 426 and maydisplay this information on a display for viewing by a human operator.

In an “Adjust Valve/Hydrogen Release Stimulus Elements” operation 816,the computing device 420 from FIG. 6, a human operator, or thecontroller 433 connected to the hydrogen release stimulus elementinterface, and in some embodiments any combination of these actors, may,in response to receiving the information in operation 815, communicatewith the controller 433 to adjust the amount of stimulus and thereby thehydrogen flow rate, or to adjust and/or close any valves.

There is little distinction left between hardware and softwareimplementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or softwareis generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choicebetween hardware and software may become significant) a design choicerepresenting cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. There are various vehiclesby which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), andthat the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which theprocesses and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. Forexample, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy areparamount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmwarevehicle. If flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for amainly software implementation. The implementer may also opt for somecombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples may be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In some embodiments,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, may be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such describeddevices and/or processes into data processing systems. That is, at leasta portion of the devices and/or processes described herein may beintegrated into a data processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that atypical data processing system generally includes one or more of asystem unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatileand non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or controlsystems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback forsensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/oradjusting components and/or quantities). A typical data processingsystem may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially availablecomponents, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality may be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two componentsso associated may also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects andembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art.

1. A hydrogen storage unit, comprising: a housing that forms an airtightcavity; one or more openings formed in the housing, the openingsconfigured to form airtight seals; a plurality of hydrogen storagecolumns disposed within the cavity, the hydrogen storage columnscomprising a hydrogen absorbing material inside column casings; and aplurality of hydrogen release stimulus elements disposed within thecavity, the hydrogen release stimulus elements comprising casingsseparate from the hydrogen storage columns, wherein each hydrogenrelease stimulus element is substantially adjacent to two or morehydrogen storage columns, and wherein the hydrogen release stimuluselements are interspersed among the hydrogen storage columns; whereinthe hydrogen release stimulus elements are controllable to stimulatehydrogen release from the hydrogen absorbing material in the hydrogenstorage columns.
 2. The hydrogen storage unit of claim 1, wherein thehydrogen storage columns comprise packed-bed hydrogen storage columns.3. The hydrogen storage unit of claim 1, wherein the one or moreopenings comprise quick-connect valves.
 4. The hydrogen storage unit ofclaim 1, wherein the hydrogen absorbing material comprises one or moreof carbon nanotubes, zeolites, metal hydrides, and glass microspheres.5. A hydrogen storage unit, comprising: a housing that forms an airtightcavity; one or more openings formed in the housing, the openingsconfigured to form airtight seals; a plurality of hydrogen storagecolumns disposed within the cavity, the hydrogen storage columnscomprising a hydrogen absorbing material inside column casings, whereinthe column casings comprise tubular airtight housings that are open onat least one end to allow laminar flow of released hydrogen out the atleast one end of a storage column; and a plurality of hydrogen releasestimulus elements disposed within the cavity, the hydrogen releasestimulus elements interspersed among the hydrogen storage columns;wherein the hydrogen release stimulus elements are controllable tostimulate hydrogen release from the hydrogen absorbing material in thehydrogen storage columns.
 6. The hydrogen storage unit of claim 5,wherein the column casings comprise gas chromatography columns.
 7. Thehydrogen storage unit of claim 1, wherein the column casings comprisetubular hydrogen-permeable housings to allow for hydrogen transferthrough the sidewalls of the permeable housings.
 8. A hydrogen storageunit, comprising: a housing that forms an airtight cavity; one or moreopenings formed in the housing, the openings configured to form airtightseals; a plurality of hydrogen storage columns disposed within thecavity, the hydrogen storage columns comprising a hydrogen absorbingmaterial inside column casings; and a plurality of hydrogen releasestimulus elements disposed within the cavity, the hydrogen releasestimulus elements comprising lighting columns and interspersed among thehydrogen storage columns; wherein the hydrogen release stimulus elementsare controllable to stimulate hydrogen release from the hydrogenabsorbing material in the hydrogen storage columns.
 9. The hydrogenstorage unit of claim 8, wherein the lighting columns comprise opticalfibers arranged to illuminate a length of the columns by providinglateral optical outlets along the columns.
 10. The hydrogen storage unitof claim 1, wherein the hydrogen release stimulus elements compriseheating columns.
 11. The hydrogen storage unit of claim 10, wherein theheating columns comprise tubing for heated gas or steam flow.
 12. Thehydrogen storage unit of claim 10, wherein the heating columns compriseinductive heating elements.
 13. The hydrogen storage unit of claim 1,further comprising one or more hydrogen sensors affixed to the housing.14. A method for storing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage unit, the methodcomprising: coupling a hydrogen supply to a hydrogen storage unit, thehydrogen storage unit comprising: a housing that forms an airtightcavity; one or more openings formed in the housing, the openingsconfigured to form airtight seals; a plurality of hydrogen storagecolumns disposed within the cavity, the hydrogen storage columnscomprising a hydrogen absorbing material inside column casings; and aplurality of hydrogen release stimulus elements disposed within thecavity, the hydrogen release stimulus elements comprising lightingcolumns and interspersed among the hydrogen storage columns; wherein thehydrogen release stimulus elements are controllable to stimulatehydrogen release from the hydrogen absorbing material in the hydrogenstorage columns; and releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen supply intothe hydrogen storage unit.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising extracting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit with anextraction unit comprising: a hydrogen extraction member configured forairtight engagement of an opening in a hydrogen storage unit, thehydrogen extraction member comprising at least a sidewall and anairtight cavity for hydrogen transport through the hydrogen extractionmember; and a hydrogen release stimulus element interface for engagementof one or more hydrogen release stimulus elements disposed inside thehydrogen storage unit, the interface configured for controllableactivation of the one or more hydrogen release stimulus elements. 16.The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling hydrogen releasestimulus elements disposed inside the hydrogen storage unit to attain adesired hydrogen extraction rate.